RLWC 2017 Match Preview: Papua New Guinea vs. Ireland

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Papua New Guinea will look to build off their phenomenal performance in the opening round when they take on the Irish this Sunday in Port Moresby.

With a vocal home crowd behind them, Michael Marum’s side came out of the blocks firing in their tournament opener — blowing Wales away with an emphatic 50-6 victory that left their opponents feeling as sore physically as they did mentally by the result.

They’ll come up against an Ireland outfit that surprised many in their first game of the World Cup, stunning a highly-rated Italian side 36-12 to stay level on points with PNG.

What was perhaps most impressive from Ireland was the way they adjusted to the hot and humid conditions in Cairns — a crucial thing given they’ll likely endure similar circumstances this Sunday in Port Moresby.

With all three group games at home, most expected Papua New Guinea to simply walk through to the knockout rounds, but this fixture as Ireland shapes as an intriguing contest; both are level on points and Ireland will be full of confidence from defeating Italy. If they can match the intensity of the home side (and crowd) in the opening 10 minutes and not let the game get out of hand, you never know what might happen.

Ireland and Papua New Guinea have never squared off in an international fixture before, and the Irish will be in for a tough time trying to take down the Kumuls on home soil. Papua New Guinea have not lost a Test match on home soil since 2001 (vs. Australia).

PLAYER TO FOLLOW — Rhyse Martin, Papua New Guinea

Captain David Mead stole the show early for PNG with a hat-trick, but the performances of Bulldogs forward Rhyse Martin out wide were equally as dynamic late in the contest. Martin played the full 80 minutes in hot conditions, had two tries, two linebreaks and a try-assist, while also adding five goals once he was handed the goal-kicking duties. Ireland’s left edge could be in for a long day trying to contain Martin close to the line.

PREDICTION

We thought Ireland were better than many were giving them credit for heading in to their clash against Italy, despite not at all expecting them to go on with the win. That result will have done the world of good for their confidence and morale heading in to this game, but PNG at home are simply a different beast. The hard-hitting defence will stifle the Irish attack, and they won’t be able to defend all afternoon in the heat — we’re tipping a tight one to open up in the second half in favour of the home side. PNG by 22.